The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commemorated 12 June as Democracy Day, stating that Nigeria’s democratic space was won through sacrifice and struggle, not gifted by those in power.
In a press statement released to mark the day, CISLAC said the date remains a solemn reminder of the personal cost paid by patriots who confronted authoritarian rule to secure justice, accountability, and the sovereignty of the people.
The organisation paid tribute to a broad list of fallen democratic heroes and heroines, including Chief MKO Abiola, Hajia Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Gani Fawehinmi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and Festus Iyayi.
Also honoured were activists and civil society figures such as Balarabe Musa, Chima Ubani, Bamidele Aturu, Emma Ezeazu, Innocent Chukwuma, and Oby Nwankwo, among dozens of others who shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey.
CISLAC further acknowledged the authors of the Minority Report of the 1978 Constitutional Conference and countless unnamed patriots whose contributions laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic structure.
The group said the legacy of these individuals should serve as a guiding light for democratic resilience, civic responsibility, and the continuous demand for good governance in Nigeria today.
As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, CISLAC noted that sustaining peaceful political transitions is significant, but insisted that democracy must be judged by its impact on citizens’ lives.
The group argued that elections alone are insufficient if governance fails to deliver security, welfare, justice, and inclusive development.
CISLAC raised alarm over deepening insecurity across the country, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and farmer-herder conflicts that continue to claim lives and displace communities.
It warned that no democracy can thrive where citizens live in constant fear, and called for urgent national security reforms anchored on intelligence, accountability, and prevention.
On the economy, CISLAC expressed concern over rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, worsened by recent policy reforms including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments.
While acknowledging the intent behind the reforms, it stressed the need for inclusive, people-centred policies and stronger social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
The organisation highlighted persistent youth unemployment and underemployment as a growing threat to national stability, linking it to irregular migration, social frustration, and insecurity.
It urged strategic investments in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industrial growth to harness the country’s youthful population for national development.
Corruption was identified as a major obstacle to democratic and developmental progress, with CISLAC saying it undermines public trust and diverts resources from health, education, and infrastructure.
The group called for stronger institutions, protection for whistleblowers, transparent procurement systems, and decisive political will to ensure accountability without bias or selective enforcement.
CISLAC also pointed to weaknesses in electoral integrity and internal party democracy, noting persistent issues of vote buying, electoral violence, low turnout, and the influence of money politics.
It said candidate imposition and manipulated primaries continue to weaken political parties as institutions of democratic representation and called for urgent reforms.
The statement further raised concerns about Nigeria’s deteriorating education and healthcare systems, citing out-of-school children, inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, and rising costs of services.
CISLAC maintained that sustainable democracy cannot exist without strong investment in human capital development and equitable access to quality education and healthcare.
It expressed worry over the shrinking civic space, declining public trust in institutions, and challenges affecting judicial independence and access to justice across the country.
The organisation said stronger, independent institutions capable of functioning without political interference are essential to upholding the rule of law.
CISLAC reaffirmed that endurance of democracy alone is not sufficient and called on government, political actors, civil society, the media, and citizens to recommit to transparency, accountability, participation, and respect for democratic principles.
Executive Director Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani said Nigeria’s democratic future will be judged by the dignity, safety, and prosperity of its people, not just the survival of elections.
